Online Poker Tells
The word tells includes acts, gestures and other mannerisms that
a poker player displays when trying to disguise the strength of
their hand. While many tells may be subconsciously executed, they
are nonetheless subject to interpretation by opponents. A lot of
players exhibit the same kind of tell, so the trick is learning to
distinguish its implications accordingly since it's meaning for one
player can easily differ from that of another player. In a live
game, players can say various things, act weak when they are strong,
throw chips in the middle, look away, stare at you, and so forth,
but all of their actions say something about their hand. How can you
pick up on these subtleties when playing online? The answer is: you
can't. But nontheless, there are a few tells mentioned below that
are useful when playing online.
The Most Common Online Tells
Online tells are almost always related to the speed with which an
opponent acts. For example, online it is possible to use the "in
turn" buttons or you can wait until it is your turn to act and click
on the desired button. When using the "in turn" buttons, a player
can select check/fold or bet/raise before the action gets to them.
There is clear distinction in speed between these two methods of
acting and, in certain situations, it can provide you with
advantageous information.
- The instant call after you bet: Most players who call your bet
immediately have a weak calling hand. These players want you to
believe they have a stronger hand and hope that you will not bet
into them again.
- The delayed check: Most players who take longer than normal
before checking to you do not want you to bet. They are
attempting to display strength because they want to see the next
card for free.
- The delayed bet: When an opponent thinks for a long time and
then bets, they will usually be holding a strong hand. They want
you to believe they are weak so that you will call/raise.
- The instant bet/raise on the river (Texas Hold'em): The player
who utilizes this move will usually be holding a very strong
hand. By raising or betting so quickly, they are trying to make
you think they are bluffing. This move can also be used on the
turn and generally, though not as frequently, denotes strength.
- The instant check: A player sitting in late position who uses
the "in turn" check/fold button is usually weak. Often, they are
playing at multiple tables and are hoping to save time by using
the "in turn" buttons.
- The bet into on the turn (Texas Hold'em): When a player has
checked and called on the flop and then bets into you on the
turn, it usually indicates weakness. This type of bet often
means that they picked up a draw or that they are semi-bluffing
with a draw they picked up on the flop. Strongly consider
raising even though you might be bluffing yourself.
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